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Hodgson says sorry to Liverpool fans

Veteran manager Roy Hodgson is battling to save his job following Liverpool's recent run of poor results.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Liverpool boss seeks to make amends to fans after his remarks after Wolves defeat

Roy Hodgson insists he never meant to criticize the English club's supporters

Liverpool fans upset as team languishes just three points above the relegation zone

Hodgson says club's followers have every right to be upset with side's poor form

(CNN) -- Under-pressure Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson has apologized to the English Premier League side's fans after appearing to criticize them following Wednesday's defeat at home to struggling Wolverhampton.

The 63-year-old was booed after his team suffered an eighth reverse in 18 matches, leaving the club 12th in the table -- 16 points behind the leaders and just three above the bottom three.

Hodgson, who took over from Rafael Benitez in pre-season, told reporters that he felt he was not being backed by the fans.

However, the former Fulham and Inter Milan boss told Liverpool's website on Friday that he had not meant to criticize the Reds' loyal following.

We are at a low point. All of us are hurting badly. I am disappointed to have come here with such high hopes and find myself in this situation--Roy Hodgson

"If I've offended the fans then I deeply regret that," he said ahead of Saturday's home clash with sixth-placed Bolton.

"The fans have every right to voice their disapproval. It's becoming more and more common as well. We've got great fans and fantastic support, there's no question about that.

"To get the full benefit of your good support and the passion that these fans in particular have, then you've got to give them something to cheer. Quite frankly, we didn't do that on Wednesday night."

Hodgson, who guided Fulham to the Europa League final last season, admitted he was disappointed with Liverpool's poor results this campaign.

The club's fans expected big improvements after unpopular former owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks were ousted in October, but the five-time European champions have dropped points against teams such as Wigan, Stoke and Newcastle following the encouraging win over Chelsea.

"At the moment we are at a low point. All of us are hurting badly. I am disappointed to have come here with such high hopes and after six months find myself in this situation," Hodgson said.

"I think the fans will always get behind and support the team. They even did it the other night. After aiming a few jibes at me they were very quick to suddenly get behind the team and scream us on.

"All I can do is apologize if I've offended anyone and make it perfectly clear there was nothing offensive in my comments. Obviously I'm very disappointed by it. No-one wants to feel like that they are unpopular with the fans that they are working hard to gain popularity with."